Airdrie Stud, started and lovingly cultivated by Brereton C. and Elizabeth “Libby” Jones, was launched in 1972 with a leased parcel of land, from Libby’s father; the property being in the Alexander family for nearly 200 years. From the turn of the century through the fall of 1972, no Thoroughbreds had been raised on this prime land. Since then, it has grown to consist of more than 2,500 acres primarily along Old Frankfort Pike. The canopied road, which was likely once a buffalo trace, bordered by original rock walls, takes you back in time and is where much of the original Woodburn Stud was located. Woodburn Stud was home of the immortal Lexington during his 16-year tenure as America’s leading sire in the last century. Woodburn, also the home of four 19th century Kentucky Derby winners, it is in fact considered the birthplace of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry. A renewed interest in this piece of property and the historical significance of the land has been brought to the public’s attention by Pulitzer prize winning author Geraldine Brooks in her bestselling, Horse: A Novel as well as the nonfiction book by author Kim Wickens, Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse.
Airdrie today stands eleven stallions which includes top sires such as Upstart, Girvin, and Cairo Prince. It is with a tremendous amount of pride that 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage has been added as the newest member on the stallion roster for 2024. Breed shaping stallions Indian Charlie and Harlan’s Holiday once inhabited the stalls and grazed in the paddocks of the stallion facility. Airdrie Stud is a commercial breeding operation that supports the stallion operation with it’s 150 strong broodmare band, many of whom are from families developed over several generations. The large fields of gently rolling, mineral-rich land in the heart of North America’s richest limestone/bluegrass region, provides a perfect natural base on which to raise young runners of exceptional quality. Airdrie Stud has a reputation of breeding durable and high class racehorses, currently standing at #4 on the Top Breeders List by Race Earnings in North America. Over 240 stakes winners have been bred and raised at Airdrie – an honor roll that includes 28 Grade 1 winners. Just since 2000, Airdrie graduates have earned over $145 million in purse money. *Numbers are through 12/31/2023
Airdrie has the distinction of owning and racing three Kentucky Oaks winners over a span of seven years; Proud Spell in 2008, Believe You Can in 2012, and Lovely Maria in 2015. All three were sired by stallions standing at the farm, while Proud Spell and Believe You Can were both bred and raised on the farm. Another notable mare bred by the farm is Littleprincessemma (daughter of an Airdrie stallion), who became the dam of the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharoah.
Airdrie Stud, is now presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ son Bret. The farm with proven stallions, exciting young sire prospects, a top band of broodmares, excellent land and a staff of dedicated, experienced horsemen combine to assure a bright future indeed.
